7 months ago
CropLife India seeks regulation of online pesticide sales
CropLife India, which represents the pesticide industry, has asked the government to make sure that online sales of pesticides are properly regulated.
They want the Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to include rules that prevent fake pesticides from being sold online.
The industry says that online sales are growing, but currently, there aren't enough checks to make sure the products are safe and real.
They are not against online sales but want to make sure that the rules keep up with the digital world.
The industry also says that fake pesticides could harm farmers and the food supply.
They have even sent legal notices to some online platforms to stop unauthorized sales.
CropLife India calls for regulation of online pesticide sales to prevent counterfeit products.
The industry estimates the fake pesticide market to be between ₹250 crore and ₹5,000 crore.
Online sales of pesticides are growing, but current regulations are insufficient.
The industry wants explicit provisions in the Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to regulate online sales.
Legal notices and lawsuits have been filed against e-commerce platforms for unauthorized sales.
- Who
- CropLife India, the pesticide industry body
- What
- Called for regulation of online pesticide sales to prevent counterfeit products
- Where
- India
- When
- January 21, 2026
- Why
- To ensure authenticity, traceability, and farmer safety
Key facts
- Industry Size
- ₹66,000 crore
- Fake Pesticide Market
- ₹250 crore to ₹5,000 crore
- Domestic Turnover
- ₹26,000 crore
- Exports
- ₹40,000 crore
- Expected Growth
- 8-9% annually for next 10 years
Quotes
Ankur Aggarwal
Chairman of CropLife India, an industry body representing the pesticide sector.
“We are not against the sale of pesticides on e-commerce platforms. This engagement is about ensuring that regulatory and enforcement frameworks evolve with the realities of digital commerce. Tackling unauthorised products remains a shared priority for policymakers and the crop protection industry and is critical for farmer safety, food security and consumer trust. There is need to address existing gaps effectively.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“It’s more than the financial aspect. We are dealing with responsible chemicals, and there should be end-to-end traceability so that fake products do not reach farmers is what the entire pesticide industry wants.”
thehindubusinessline.com
CropLife India
Industry body representing the pesticide sector in India.
“This weakens regulatory oversight and makes inspection, sampling and traceability significantly more difficult.”
thehindubusinessline.com
